Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am. Jim McEntire led the flag salute.

Guests

Morningside’s own Paris.

Minutes

Board minutes for Feb 13 were modified to say  that 5 more members had paid their dues. Jon Fager moved and John Brewer seconded motion to accept minutes as modified.  Motion carried.

Minutes for Feb. 14. Jack Glaubert moved and Debby Swanson seconded motion to accept minutes. Motion carried.

Announcements:

Kevin mentioned several types of internal email sites are available and that might help cut down on the number of mailing lists PABA now has.  He will work with Publicity Chair, Debby Swanson, on picking the best for PABA.

Letter from Derek Kilmer:  Kevin read several letters – to John Brewer and Andrew May – thanking them for their help in setting up a PABA visit.

Kevin read a letter from Port Angeles School Board thanking PABA for its support on the recent school levy.

Phil Kitchel announced a Governmental Affairs Committee meeting after the regular meeting.  One of the items to be discussed is Timber Harvest.  He gave an example of what happened in Snohomish County when, after years of work and expense, a planned timber harvest was pulled at the last minute.  Not only was the effort time consuming and expensive, it also meant that the junior taxing districts depending on the funds, did not get any.  Randy Johnson said an alternative of bonds or direct payments to schools could be considered.  Jim McEntire gave an example of what happened when Blanchard Mountain was to be set aside as  a Conservation Area.  Several members discussed the change in definition of regeneration” harvest or replanting for a 50 to 60 year growth. Now the term “Variable Density Thinning” is being used.

Danielle Turissini stressed the importance of grass roots efforts and how phone calls can be more important than email.

Port Commissioner Connie Beauvais said the Timber Advisory Committee would be meeting on Friday (March 3) at 9am.  She said the scare about the hydraulic oil spill was just that. No tests have proven the complaints. She said negotiations for an air service “is still up in the air”.  Smaller cities and airlines might be able to charge less than what is planned for Port Angeles but they get Federal Funding which is not available to Clallam County.

Phil said the Elwha Bridge will be the subject of a meeting tonight.  He felt that the Federal Government should be paying for the replacement costs since they had been warned that could happen when the dams were taken out.  George Bergner said the safety of Highway 101 to bikes and pedestrians is a concern since they do not usually use the Discovery Trail.  The new bridge will have two 12 feet wide lines with 10 foot shoulders.  The ODC stretch near Joyce is going to be the last completed since so many did not want the trail on their property.  Ted Simpson suggested that PABA write a letter to the Governor about financing of the bridge.  It was suggested we wait until after the bridge meeting.

George said the Marine Life Center brought in over $50,000 at its last fundraiser. Phil reminded the group of the importance of the Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction.

Jon Fager moved and John Brewer  seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Upcoming Meeting

March 7: Wendy Sisk, Chief Executive Officer, Peninsula Behavioral Health.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30am.